PLANS to replace an existing well-used footbridge over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Skipton to address 'long-standing safety issues' have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

Proposed is the replacement of Gallows Bridge, accessed from Gas Street and on the route to the bus station and the town centre.

North Yorkshire Council, which has taken on responsibility for the bridge from the former Craven District Council, is proposing to replace the bridge and make improvements to the 'sub-standard' stepped access at both ends.

The replacement bridge will consist of a steel truss with the overall length and width of the bridge similar to what is there now, with the existing masonry abutments retained and re-used.

It will include waterproofing and anti-slip surfacing and its look will be 'inspired by the old timber bridge which once spanned across the canal'.

A planning, design and access statement with the application states that the scheme was first discussed in 2020 as part of the Skipton Gateway scheme, which is centred around the town's railway station and funded by the Transforming Cities Fund.

The bridge is part of the most direct route from the railway station and the bus station and is also well used by people heading to Morrison's Supermarket, Cavendish Street Car Park and the town centre.

It is stated: "The existing uneven steps at both ends of Gallows Bridge are a slip and fall hazard, and are considered to be a critical safety issue.

"A site walkover in June 2022 was under taken by engineers, which recorded the bridge deck to be in poor condition. The main defects noted were paint breakdown, surface corrosion throughout the underside of the footbridge and severely corroded secondary steel elements. Some cracks were also noted in the abutment padstones.

"The proposed development is needed to address known, longstanding safety issues with Gallows Bridge and to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians.

"By improving the safety of Gallows Bridge, combined with the delivery of the station Gateway public realm and townscape enhancements, the proposed development would help to improve connectivity and achieve ‘healthy streets’."

A public consultation took place in 2021 and the Canal and River Trust has contributed to the design of the proposed new bridge.

The design statement concludes: "The proposed development will provide a significant improvement to the safety and therefore the accessibility of Gallows Bridge and will enhance connectivity between the railway station, bus station and the town centre.

"The original stone will be recycled and reused where possible to maintain the character of the conservation area."